Atoche

After mulling over which receiver hitch to have installed on my GLK - I came to two conclusions:

1. order your new GLK with the OEM receiver hitch from the factory - it's the best look / best value at $500.

2. if you do buy after the fact, the OEM is still the way to go, even though you will pay ~ $800 for the hitch, and 8 hours labor to have it installed...

Pics below...

Alex Bel

Nice pictures.

That's why I've ordered the option "550 Hitch $ 575" for my 2014GLK250BT

Atoche

Canon EOS 5D, 24-105L...

GLK350AMG

Have you towed a trailer with your setup yet? If you have, what trailer size and how much weight did you pull? Do you have any pictures?

rmfnla

GLK350AMG

Atoche, you mentioned receiver and hitch but I only see the hitch. Did MB give you a receiver also when you bought the OEM hitch? I have a 2013 GLK350 and I didn't get a receiver with my car.

Bob338

You get the hitch. The ball mount and ball, and the electrical connector is all up to you. Doesn't come with the hitch.

You DID get the receiver, just not the things that go to it.

GLK350AMG

Thanks bob338. I was confused with the terminology between a receiver and a mount.

Atoche

I use it for my bike rack only, I have not towed anything.

GLK350AMG

I posted a few pictures of my Uhaul trailer setup here: https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...ml#post6008712

Atoche

sethro1980

So if you buy the OEM hitch, it doesnt come with the electrical socket shown to the left of the hitch in the photos? Would you need direct access to both rest light assemblies to get the connections right? The reason I ask is because I have a subwoofer mounted into the left rear panel and would have to remove it to access those wires, and am hoping there is another way. I doubt I would ever use a trailer big enough to require the electrical connection (i want it for a bike rack and one of those small platforms big enough to carry something like a pressure washer, garbage bin, etc), but if I am going to pay labor to have the hitch installed, I might as well have them do it all the way and install the electrical components.

107123210

If you order the OE hitch when buying new car, it does come with 7-pin electrical connector. Don't see why you wouldn't get that too if buying OEM hitch later. But, based on what others have posted on this and the BW forum, that would be much more expensive than an aftermarket hitch.

I have the OE hitch. It is only 1 1/4". Our bike rack puts quite a bit of leverage on the hitch. I would be happier if it was a 2" hitch. So, perhaps an aftermarket hitch would be a better choice?

3.5L

Our 2012 GLK came equipped with the factory towing hitch and it included the 7-pin trailer socket. The tow package did not include any wiring to the dash board area for an electric brake controller. I solved the problem by using a Tekonsha wireless unit. Plug & Play.

sli6000

I am trying to buy a Saris Thelma 3-Bike Hitch Rack which support 1.25" and 2" Hitch Receiver.

I measured the hitch hole size a little bigger than 2'' (looks like 2.125"). so wonder if this US 2013 ML350 OEM hitch is ok for Saris 2" hitch rack.

Try to search for this OEM hitch (Oris) but can't find the spec for it.

here is the picture for this OEM ORIS hitch part number.

Rascally Wabbit

I like how the OEM hitch tucks up where it is unobtrusive. Yours with the AMG Pkg. is very nice, much better than aftermarket choices. Today was my day to roll the dice on a hitch. Found a used OEM reinforcement beam with the hitch for a silly low price, like 1/10 of what the beam costs new. This piece has the trailer connector plug & receiver built with it as yours. The wiring harnesses I will have to purchase new from MB. The cost with me doing the installation should be around $350.00 for everything. So glad I bought the accessory rear diffusor for vehicles with hitch! Only question remains on whether it will require tweaking with an OBDII at the dealership after installation is completed.

Rascally Wabbit

The OEM bumper reinforcement with hitch arrived today. What a beast! Likely improves rear end collision safety. This piece is made by Westfalia. The one I bought off EBay has never had a receiver installed (factory seal in place) but it was on a vehicle. Found a link for disassembly of the bumper for installation. Next step is to order the wiring harness. Almost like X-mas & you find what you want under the tree!

shotgun_banjo

Having a trailer hitch does indeed improve rear end collision safety. As I recall GM had a safety recall on their Jeeps to have a hitch installed to protect it's fuel tank from rupturing during a rear end collision. My next MB SUV will get a hitch just for the bikes and nothing else.

BTW OP....I like your Bike.

One other thing. Is it just me who feels that the way the new exhaust is finished is not as good as the pre-facelift models? You see a rectangular shape tip but you really can see a oval tip beyond it that is no way connected to the outer tip or my eyes are just playing with me.

Orlousy

I just installed a used OEM hitch myself and it came with the OEM wiring harness. I have searched all over the back of the car and can't figure where to plug it in. Seems from what I have read it is on the passenger side, but I can't find it. Before I start taking more things apart, was hoping for some direction or pics. Any help would be great, I have a 2013 Bluetec.

Rascally Wabbit

Trailer wiring harness plugs into the main harness on the passenger side. With the used OEM hitch did you get the two side reinforcements which bolt to the reinforcement & the sides of the spare tire well? P/N 2046101625 & 525.

Orlousy

Do I have to pull the trunk space passenger side panel off to get the main wiring harness (behind where to 120 volt plug is mounted)...any instructions, tips or pics how to get it off without ruining it!?!?

The hitch I purchased did come with the side-member rails that slide into and bolt in to the frame.

Rascally Wabbit

As I recall, the floor panel(s) have to be removed before the passenger side panel can be pulled. Basically the same stuff is taken out as when the hitch was installed but the bumper cover does not have to be removed. Lot of Torx screws & takes time but overall not that bad. From what I have read, it will have to be integrated into the system by the dealership after installation so that the car will recognize it is present.